Dear Kerry We would like to extend our warmest wishes to you for a joyful and prosperous New Year! As we welcome this new beginning, we want to take a moment to highlight the key benefits associated with your organisational membership. These include access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and timely updates on the latest sector news, trends, and developments. We are thrilled to announce our comprehensive calendar of upcoming events for the next few months, which features a diverse range of activities including hands-on workshops, informative webinars, and engaging networking sessions. Each event is thoughtfully designed to foster learning, collaboration, and support among our members. Together, we look forward to a fantastic year filled with growth, engagement, and valuable experiences for all our members!
Member Benefit Highlights
| Programme of Networks and Events |
| VODG events offer a unique chance for members to connect and discuss up-to-date strategic topics. In addition to fostering new ideas and networking opportunities, we create an engaging and challenging atmosphere that promotes new connections and cooperative learning. |
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| Influencing Policy and Practice |
| VODG offers a powerful collective voice to the government, local decision-makers and the media. Through our networks, events and influencing activities, members champion their interests and come together to shape policy and best practice across the sectors in which they operate |
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| Professional Networks |
| VODG has professional networks that are chaired by leaders from our membership. These networks provide a platform for peers from various organisations to come together, exchange information, and provide support. The networks address key topics, explore innovation, and help in capacity building. |
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| Online Community |
| The VODG online community is a platform that encourages members to connect, share good practices, and identify areas for collaboration. Access to this platform is restricted to members only and is divided into different communities that correspond to their roles and interests. |
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| Specialist Advice |
| Our objective is to establish robust partnerships with businesses that share our members' dedication to providing exceptional, forward-thinking care and sustainable services. Our partners offer specialised advice and collaborate with VODG and its members through our corporate partner programmes |
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| Weekly Brief |
| The Weekly Brief is a valuable benefit of VODG membership. It is sent every Monday and includes news and updates on important policy and practice issues, along with comments, opinions, event announcements, research opportunities, and much more. Have you signed up to receive it? |
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| Member Directory |
| VODG's online member directory offers increased visibility and prominence for members as part of a values-based group of voluntary sector organisations. Check the directory for possible connections with similar organisations. Members can also filter organisations by location and service. |
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| Resource Hubs |
| Our resource hubs are designed to provide our members with valuable information, resources, and upcoming events tailored to their needs and interests. |
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For information on accessing your online member benefits, please visit our website's online member benefits page.
2025 Highlights
| Twenty New Members Joined VODG |
| Twenty organisations joined the VODG community, bringing fresh energy and diverse perspectives to our growing membership. |
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| Shaping Policy |
| VODG led on key policy issues this year, including pay, employment rights, digital care, healthcare, welfare, housing, and pandemic readiness. |
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| VODG Central Services Benchmarking Programme |
| Nearly 50 members signed up for the VODG Central Services Benchmarking Programme. In collaboration with Cordis Bright, this project will extend into the New Year, giving participants the chance to compare similar organisations and their services. |
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| VODG Member Directory |
| The new filtering and search features in the VODG Member Directory enable our members to compare organisational services and regions, facilitating connections and mutual support. |
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| Informing Legislative Change |
| We have worked directly on seven Bills and contributed to many more, including the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools, Mental Health, Employment Rights, Immigration and Visas, National Insurance Contributions, Planning and Infrastructure, and Universal Credit Bills. |
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| Over 85 VODG Events Organised |
| We proudly organised more than eighty-five VODG events, both in-person and online, marking a substantial 21% increase in our event offerings compared to the previous year. |
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| Regulatory Reform |
| From CEO breakfasts with CQC leadership to quarterly updates and partnering on regulatory guidance, VODG and our members have informed the reform programme and continue to use our voice for positive change. |
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| New Corporate Partners |
| We welcomed eleven new partners, many of whom contributed valuable sessions and provided insights that significantly benefited our membership. |
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| Over 140 Event Speakers and Industry Experts |
| Our events featured an impressive lineup of over 140 speakers, including members, industry experts, and officials from government and sector bodies, each sharing insights and expertise across a range of topics. |
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| Influencing Policy Reform |
| We submitted over fifteen responses to government consultations and inquiries on topics including housing, pay and employment rights, regulatory frameworks, professional standards, funding and welfare reform. |
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| Over 3500 Delegates Booked our Events |
| Event attendance has increased by 13%, totalling 3,552 members. This growth is due to new programmess, targeted marketing, and enhanced member benefits, attracting a diverse and engaged community. |
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| Reframing Commissioning at NCAS |
| VODG, Hft, and Cornwall Council hosted their first joint session at the National Children and Adult Services Conference, engaging councils on commissioning and transitions for disabled young people. |
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| Growth of the Resource Hubs |
| The Resource Hubs are expanding, offering more documents, guides, and reference materials for members. AI-generated notes provide concise summaries and key takeaways from most meetings to keep members informed. |
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| Two New Professional Networks |
| This year, we welcomed two new professional networks: the Digital and Technology Directors' Network for IT leaders to share best practices and discuss challenges, and the Policy and Public Affairs Network for collaboration on policy and legislative updates. |
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| Over Fifteen New Professional Network Co-chairs |
| VODG co-chairs are essential in guiding our professional network meetings. In 2025, we welcomed over fifteen new co-chairs from diverse backgrounds who are already bringing fresh ideas to our networks. |
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| Launch of the Corporate Partner Directory |
| The VODG Corporate Partner supplier directory provides an overview of partners by region, service, and product category. It helps members connect with suppliers and provides detailed information on available services and products. |
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Upcoming VODG Events
VODG, Stronger Together. |
